Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO Delegate Meeting: May 20, 2019
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Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO Delegate Meeting: May 20, 2019 Agenda……………………………………………………. page 2 Minutes (April 2019)…………………………………….. page 3 Correspondence………………………………………... page 5 Union Cities……………………………….…………….. page 6 Claimant Advocacy Program.………………………… page 8 Community Services Agency ………………………… page 9 COPE……………………………………………………… page 10 Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO Delegate Meeting May 20, 2019 6:30P: Call to Order Board Election (final seat) Minutes Correspondence Financial Reports Affiliate Reports President’s Report Organizational Reports: Union Cities Community Services Agency COPE/Political and Legislative Campaigns 8:00P: Adjourn Delegate Meeting MINUTES: April 15, 2019 Meeting called to order at 6:30pm President Jeter welcomed AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Elizabeth Shuler, who told the leaders and delegates that “You’re at the forefront, whether it’s national issues like the government shutdown or local struggles.” Shuler was at the Council to officially swear in the 2019-2022 MWC Executive Board, elected last month. She welcomed the returning Board members and asked new members to introduce themselves. “You all were there, you pushed and stood in solidarity and I just want to say Thank You!” said Shuler. “You’re all leaders, not just of your local unions, but of the labor movement and we appreciate and thank you for your passion and commitment.” Council president Jackie Jeter thanked Shuler, saying that she and the entire Board look forward to continuing to play a key leadership role in the metro-area labor movement. Shuler then swore in the Executive Board. Election Committee: Mike Spiller, on behalf of chair Ann Hoffman, reviewed the rules for nominations for the open seat. After nominations were opened, Jesse Bennett nominated Denise Yorkshire, AFSCME 2250. Eric Bunn nominated Gina Walton from AFGE 1975. Kimberly Mitchell from UFCW 400 nominated Donna Brockington from AFGE local 32. Nominations were then closed. Nominees will be checked to be sure they’re delegates from their locals; acceptance forms must be returned by Thursday 4/18 COB and the election will be held at the May meeting. President Jeter thanked the Election Committee for all their diligent hard work, working with MWC staffer Chris Garlock, to ensure a correct and smooth election process. Minutes: moved and seconded to accept as circulated. Approved. Farm Labor Organizing Committee (FLOC): Rick Ehrmann (NewsGuild) described the ongoing struggle by FLOC in the south and noted that the resolution supporting the Vuse boycott has been passed by the Newspaper Guild. Ehrmann moved and Fahrenthold seconded that the Council adopt the resolution. Robin Burns (DCNA) said that healthcare professionals are also concerned about the health implications of e-cigarettes. Approved. Washington Teachers Union: Liz Davis said that the city is slowly but surely starving and privatizing the city school district; there were 153 schools when I started and just 103 now. More than half the city education budget now goes to charter schools. Public schools must accept and educate all students while charter schools cherrypick. Rally set for 4/25; please come. Moved (Davis) seconded (Bunn) to approve the resolution. Financial Reports: Eric Bunn reviewed the (2) reports distributed to delegates. Moved (Harris) seconded (Farenthold) to accept. Approved. Claimant Advocacy Program (CAP): Lolita Martin explained what CAP does in fighting for folks who have unemployment comp cases, plus dealing with overpayment cases. She provided her cel number -- 202-257-7610 – and said text her anytime. Saul Schniderman (AFSCME 2910-ret) and Dan Fields (SEIU 722) spoke highly of the program. Union Cities Mark Federici, UFCW 400, reported on the Stop and Shop strike by 31,000 UFCW members and updated on the situation on Shoppers Food Warehouse now SuperValue, now UNFI. Jim Griffin, IBEW 1900, ongoing negotiations at PEPCO; not going well, may be calling on Council for assistance. Garlock reported on the upcoming DC LaborFest, noting that a number of the films this year raise the issue of women and power. Pres. Jeter emphasized that the LaborFest is a key way that the Metro Council organizes and mobilizes, not just among our own members, but to the broader community. “It’s where the labor movement becomes art.” Liz Davis (WTU) suggested showing “Backpack Full of Cash.” See the 4/15 Executive Board minutes for the complete written UC report. Community Services Agency: Sonte DuCote reported on capacity building, fundraising -- Labor Night at the Nats is Saturday, June 22 at 7:15 pm -- plans to raise general operating funds, government shutdown update, the Building Futures Pre-Apprenticeship Program and Building Futures Grant Funding. See the 4/15 Executive Board minutes for the complete written CSA report. COPE: David Dzidzienyo reviewed the important upcoming COPE dates. See the 4/15 Executive Board minutes for the complete written COPE report. Chuck Clay (IATSE 22): Committee for Business and Economic Development to testify about partnership with city video dept; very successful program and budget has now been doubled. NLRB certified the election at PSAV, 15-1. Have started negotiations with them but it’s going to be a hard slog. Dena Briscoe (APWU): reported on today’s “US Mail is not for Sale” Tax Day rallies; flyers to be sent around. Herb Harris (BLET) reported that the Transportation Committee with meet May 14. Meeting adjourned 8:14pm 50/50 raffle won by Cynthia Collins CORRESPONDENCE MONTH: May 2019 Organization Event Date Request/Purpose Detail Raises funds for Insulators 24 8/9 Golf Outing mesothelioma and cancer research MD/DC AFL-CIO 6/21 Salute to Leadership Tickets $150; ads $175-500 Benefits Leukemia & Labor Against Cancer 6/5 $175/person Lymphoma Society 4 tix, FP ad ($1,100 total UFCW 1994/MCGEO 5/4 25th Anniv Gala approved by Board via online vote 4/22) Jobs with Justice Education Fund 6/27 Awards Celebration $600-15,000 Firefighter Memorial Fire Fighters 36 5/29 Invite to attend Day Chesapeake Bay CLUW Affiliating with MWC Mid-Atlantic Regional Joint Board Affiliating with MWC Total YTD 2019 $ 2,100 January $0.00 February $0.00 March $1,000 April $1,100 UNION CITIES May 2019 Chris Garlock, Coordinator In addition to my usual responsibilities, the bulk of my work over the last month has focused on the annual DC LaborFest. The line-up of events this year is just under 40 – details here http://www.dclabor.org/dc- laborfest.html -- including 17 film screenings, as well as music, history and other events. Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich and Maryland Assembly rep Gabe Acevero were our guest speakers at the May 1 launch at AFI and both spoke out strongly in support of workers, unions, the Metro Council and the LaborFest. Some notable additions since the initial line-up was announced include the Chesapeake CLUW Non- Traditional Trades Fashion Show Luncheon (photo); Ghost Work: How To Stop Silicon Valley From Building A New Global Underclass; Zero Weeks: America’s Leave Crisis and the Cost of Doing Nothing and Building The American Dream, which is being co-sponsored by LiUNA Local 11 and CSA's Building Futures/Women in the Trades. In fact, I’m pleased to report that we increased our partnerships significantly this year, which has helped build solidarity with our affiliates as well as communities allies, and has helped boost turnout. The LaborFest program guide brought in $40,000 in sponsorships; we’ll have a full report on income/expenses next month. See below for the remaining LaborFest event line-up. AFL-CIO District meeting, Providence, RI, May 7-9 Attended the communications and data workshops, which were excellent; working with AFL-CIO to develop locals version for MWC affiliates later this year. The overall program was very useful, and I covered it on the MWC’s social media in real time and in a post-event report in Union City. UNION CITY NEWS, SOCIAL MEDIA, RADIO Union City highlights (April 2019): http://www.dclabor.org/home/archives/04-2019 This week’s Labor Calendar: http://www.dclabor.org/calendar.html Your Rights At Work Guests (April 2019): Especially note Kassahun Follo, President, Confederation of Ethiopian Trade Unions and David Bayne, partner, Ashcraft & Gerel (longtime EWL sponsor). Liz Davis, President, Washington Teachers Union, on the campaign to fully fund DC public schools; 4p rally today on Freedom Plaza. Roberta Lenoir, president, DCNA/UMC bargaining unit, on the East End Hospital. Clayton Rosenberg, Chief of Staff, Alliance of Concerned Men, on the East End Hospital. David Bayne, partner, Ashcraft & Gerel, on personal injury cases and the differences between Virginia and DC. Dr. Katie Wells and Katui Attoh, co-authors of "The Uber Workplace in DC: Who’s in the Driver’s Seat?" Georgetown study showing that ride-hail platform drivers in the metro DC region face financial debt, threats from customers, constantly changing rules that make calculating their earnings nearly impossible, and work hours that may make them a public safety hazard. Gabe Acevero, Maryland Assembly Delegate (39th District) & UFCW 1994/MCGEO organizer the Fight for $15 and other worker issues during the recently-concluded MD Assembly session; plus an update on the ongoing strike by 31,000 UFCW members in New England. Kassahun Follo (left), President, Confederation of Ethiopian Trade Unions (CETU) on the role of the Ethiopian trade union movement as Ethiopia -- the second most populous country in Sub Saharan Africa -- is going through a unprecedented democratic transition freeing all political prisoners and allowing opposition groups (including groups in exile) to peacefully operate within the country for the first time. Hassan Kanu, Legal Editor/Reporter, Bloomberg Law (& Newspaper Guild member) Harold Meyerson, executive editor of The American Prospect; NALISHHA MEHTA, Program Officer at Solidarity Center, AFL-CIO, on labor and meditation, and VASU REDDY, Senior policy counsel for workplace programs at the National Partnership for Women & Families on Equal Pay Day (April 2, 2019) & Fair Pay.